Man convicted
in Wal-Mart heist

The lead gunman behind the robbery of a Wal-Mart store last year was convicted on Friday of robbery and firearms violations.
The robbery took place Dec. 3 at the Wal-Mart at 4640 Roosevelt Blvd. A total of $351,563 was stolen.
Bilal Shabazz, also known as "Pepe" and "Terry Sharp," 37, will be sentenced on Nov. 16. He faces as much as life imprisonment and hefty fines.
Co-defendants Christopher "Pun" Young, Steven Patton and Bruce Johnson pleaded guilty earlier this year. Patton and Johnson were assistant Wal-Mart managers.
Johnson provided Shabazz and Young with blue Wal-Mart smocks to carry as they entered the store at 2:14 a.m. Patton opened the doors for them.
Shabazz and Young, carrying guns, forced an employee into the safe room and duct-taped his mouth and hands. Patton, pretending to be a victim, opened the safe.
Shabazz fled to Florida, where he was arrested. ••